Our People
Seth A. Stambaugh, M.Ed.
Founder and Owner
Seth A. Stambaugh grew up in Placitas, New Mexico riding his bike, going to school, and with a natural passion for learning. He always possessed a deep ability to concentrate, which aided him in his creative and educational endeavors. During his childhood, Seth attended both Montessori and traditional elementary schools before matriculating at Albuquerque Academy in 1998 for middle and high school. During his time there, he discovered that his passion for education had a deeper root than in simply learning; it extended to helping others learn as well.
In seventh grade, Seth began volunteering as a teacher’s assistant at local elementary schools. In high school, he tutored students who were inmates at the Camino Nuevo Youth Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. During his senior year, he chose to complete his “Senior Project” by becoming an intern teacher’s assistant at Cottonwood Montessori in Corrales, New Mexico.
After graduating from the Academy with a cumulative 4.24 GPA in 2005, Seth decided to move to Portland, Oregon, to continue his educational pursuits at Lewis and Clark College. He studied English and Sociology before pursuing a graduate degree in education at Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling. He received his Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.) with a 4.0 GPA and returned to New Mexico. Continuing his education, he enrolled in Montessori Elementary Teacher training at The Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in Boulder, Colorado, receiving his Montessori Teaching Certification from the American Montessori Society. He gained experience working in both public and private schools as a state certified teacher while also tutoring students one-on-one in his spare time.
After ten years working as a schoolteacher, Seth decided to create Piñon Tutoring. He believes one-on-one tutoring is the most effective way for students to gain knowledge, hone critical thinking skills, identify core values, and develop integrity. He embraces the idea that learning is not just about developing competence in subject areas, but also about developing confidence, life skills, and identity.
In his free time, Seth enjoys working on home projects, cooking, writing, and spending time with his dog and two cats.
Lisa Brown, B.S. Mathematics
Contract Tutor, K-College Math Expert, K-12th ELA Expert
Lisa Brown was born in Ohio and grew up in Northern California. As young parents, she and her husband moved to New Mexico where they have raised their children and spent much of their adult lives. Lisa graduated summa cum laude from University of New Mexico, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in English.
Lisa spent twenty years successfully homeschooling her three children who have all graduated college and are now grown adults living their best lives. She taught high school geometry and algebra II in the private school setting, and she has tutored mathematics at all levels, kindergarten through calculus. Lisa views mathematics as a language to share.
Lisa strongly believes that a child’s learning and development are fueled through confidence; in fact, she feels that learning and confidence are mutually dependent on one another. Therefore, she will make every attempt to foster a determination and fortitude in the children she works with. She will help them discover their strengths and build off of them. Lisa’s preparation, thoughtful strategies, and willingness to adapt in the moment have helped her reach students in a nurturing, rewarding way.
In her spare time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, family, and friends. She is an avid bicyclist and often hikes with her white German Shepherd Scout.
Melanie Bussiere, M.A. English, NM Teaching Licensure
Contract Tutor, K-College Humanities Expert, K-9th Math Expert, Test Prep Expert (SAT, ACT) *online only
Ms. Bussiere is a 23-year veteran teacher who currently works at Pecos Cyber Academy teaching high school English. She holds bachelor's degrees in History, Political Science and Journalism, a master's degree in English literature and a certification in Paralegal Studies.
She has taught in multiple states and has taught students from all walks of life. When she isn't teaching, Ms. Bussiere enjoys spending time with her horses or working on her hobby farm in Tularosa.
Soaring eagle Carpenter, M.A., NM Substitute Teaching Licensure
Contract Tutor, K-6th All Subject Expert
Soaring Eagle, a dedicated educator and leader, was born in Boston, MA, and raised in Atkinson, NH. They hold a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Northeastern University and a Master’s degree in Divinity with a focus on Urban Ministry from Claremont School of Theology.
With an impressive blend of experience, including three years of tutoring and two years of assistant teaching in California, Soaring Eagle has also spent five years in youth ministry in the region and four years of substitute teaching in Albuquerque. They emphasize the development of the whole person, focusing not only on academics but also on life skills and personal growth. They firmly believe that it takes an entire community—parents, teachers, and advocates—to nurture a student's success.
As the founder of the Promised Youth organization, Soaring Eagle is committed to supporting young individuals in becoming leaders in their own lives and communities. They advocate for and celebrate each student and work closely within their support networks to ensure holistic development. Soaring Eagle is passionately dedicated to creating environments where youth can thrive and succeed, both academically and personally.
In his leisure time, Soaring Eagle enjoys karaoke, playing video games, biking, swimming, dancing, traveling, taking road trips, and exploring new places. These activities reflect their vibrant personality and love for engaging with life in dynamic and adventurous way.
Brendajulissa Díaz, M.S., NM Teaching Licensure
Contract Tutor, K-8th Math Expert, K-College Science Expert, Spanish Expert
Born and raised in the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico, Brendajulissa brings a diverse and rich educational background to her role as a tutor. Twelve years ago, she relocated to New Mexico, where she has continued to expand her horizons and make impactful contributions to education. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science and Technology and a second Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico. Further enriching her academic journey, she earned a Master’s Degree in Science from New Mexico Tech and is eagerly planning to embark on a doctoral degree in Fall of 2025.
Shortly after moving to New Mexico, Brendjulissa discovered her passion for education and sharing knowledge, leading her to become a dedicated STEAM teacher in Rio Rancho Public Schools. This role has allowed her to inspire and nurture students' curiosity and skills in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
As your child’s tutor, she aims to be a supportive and innovative resource, dedicated to enhancing their learning experience. She is committed to teaching effective strategies and techniques that cater to individual learning styles, ensuring students' academic growth and success. With a positive and inspiring approach, she strives to empower students to reach their fullest potential, fostering both confidence and competence in their educational journey.
Kelly Dunn, M.A.P.L.
Contract Tutor, 6th-College Spanish and Writing Expert
Kelly was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. At an early age he discovered his passion for language and writing and would later go on to study both Spanish language and Linguistics at the undergraduate level. It was here that he first began tutoring language and assisting with ongoing research into second language acquisition as well as language documentation at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. During this time, he also worked closely with the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland as a volunteer interpreter. Ultimately, these experiences would lead him to pursue further graduate study, focusing on the social aspects of language change and development.
Inspired by the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Southwest, Kelly moved to Albuquerque in 2018, where he completed his Master’s Degree in Linguistics at the University of New Mexico. While in the program, he had the opportunity to work as an instructor, teaching both beginning and advanced language levels in the department of Spanish and Portuguese. Looking to develop further as an educator, he also took on additional work as both a writing and language tutor and online learning assistant at the Center for Academic Program Support, receiving his tutor certification from the College Reading and Learning Association.
Having occupied a variety of roles within education, Kelly takes a holistic approach to language learning, placing equal emphasis on developing listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. He recognizes the difficulties and challenges that learners face when exposed to a foreign language for the first time and believes that a structured approach guided by compassion and flexibility is key to success. In many ways, he views tutoring as an ideal opportunity to meet learners at their level and help them to both develop and apply their skills beyond the instructional setting.
In his spare time, Kelly enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, and caring for the fish he and his partner keep together.
Erik Foster, M.A. Special Education
Contract Tutor, 4th-12th All Subjects Expert, Special Education Expert
Erik is a dedicated and compassionate educator with over 15 years of experience. He received his undergraduate degree from California State University Fresno and holds a master’s degree in education from Brandman University.
Erik has spent the majority of his career working with middle school and high school students in special education. He has vast experience working with students who require support with attention and social-emotional learning needs. Over his career, Erik has served in a variety of roles including teacher, department chair, special education program specialist, and special education principal over social-emotional learning programs. Erik is an outside-of-the-box thinker who has a passion and desire to see all students succeed.
In his free time, Erik enjoys spending time with his family, riding motorcycles, and being outdoors.
Kelsey Hagman, M.A.T.
Contract Tutor, K-5th All Subjects Expert
Kelsey Hagman was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She attended the University of New Mexico for undergrad and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. After graduating from undergrad, Kelsey moved across the world to be a teacher in Peace Corps. She lived in Adwa, Ethiopia for 2 years while teaching high school English as a Foreign Language. When she came back stateside, she moved back to the Land of Enchantment to
work at a preschool for a year.
She moved to Denver, Colorado where she lived for 2.5 years. While in Denver she worked in a variety of educational settings while also receiving her Masters of Arts in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Northern Colorado. She met her husband and moved down to Roswell, New Mexico where she taught a variety of grades during COVID. She then moved back to Albuquerque where she currently teaches at an IB charter school. Most of her experience is in 3rd-5th classrooms.
Kelsey strongly believes that every child deserves the chance to learn and grow in a safe classroom environment. She has seen a lot of changes in children and their learning since COVID and continues to believe in the strength of community and the power of a teacher who is an advocate for their students. Her hope is that every student is able to find their own strength and ability in education, academically, and socially.
In her spare time, Kelsey enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. She loves reading under a cozy blanket with a cup of coffee. She is an avid baker and chef and enjoys feeding her loved ones through food and connection. Her favorite thing on this planet is her fur-baby Kelbee.
Jake Ifshin, B.A. Liberal Arts, M.A.E.C.
Contract Tutor, K-10th All Subjects Expert, ELA Expert, Financial Literacy Expert
Jake Ifshin is passionate about helping students connect to their innate curiosity and discover
the unique approach to learning that works best for them. He is from the Washington, DC area
where he attended the prestigious Sidwell Friends School. He moved to New Mexico to study at
St. John’s College in Santa Fe for his BA and MA in Classics and Philosophy. The collaborative
and dialogue-based pedagogy of the Great Books Program at St. John’s shaped Jake’s
interdisciplinary approach to education.
After graduation, Jake moved back to the DC area to work as a classroom teacher for five years
at a Reggio Emilia-inspired school, and as a literacy tutor for underserved students in DC public
schools. Jake developed his specialization in finding new ways to foster early mathematical and
literacy skills via creative outlets such as music and visual art. He presented his innovative
projects at multiple conferences, including at the Annual Conference of the National Association
for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC).
While teaching, Jake led and expanded a school-wide gardening program and volunteered with
a local nonprofit called Everybody Grows, which grew into a full-time leadership role. He soon
after started a business delivering educational gardening programs to schools, senior
communities, and corporations. This experience led him to Socially Responsible Impact (SRI)
investing to support individuals and communities in growing wealth in alignment with their
values. In his free time, he loves to be outdoors for skiing, mountain biking, climbing, or hiking.
Nora Jones, M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
Contract Tutor, Reading and Literacy Expert, K-4th All Subjects Expert
Nora Jones has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education K-8, with a minor in Library Science and an endorsement in Reading. She also earned a Master's in Instructional Technology K-8. She has taught for 20+ years and tutored for more than 6 years.
Nora has worked in elementary classrooms in private, public and homeschool situations, and was a librarian in a middle school 6-8 grades. She has tutored students from 1st grade thru 6th grade. In the recent past, she was a Registered Behavior Technician, working with autistic children for 6 years.
Nora has a mission to encourage children to enjoy reading as much as she does. Nora loves to spend her free time line dancing and walking outside, especially on a beautiful sunny day.
Alexander Morgan, B.S. Education
Contract Tutor, 5th-10th Math Expert
Alexander A. Morgan was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his parents Margaret and Roy, his older sister, Maria, and younger brother, Thomas. Alexander has had the privilege of growing up with an immigrant mother and a father who was a classic cowboy that instilled the ideas of hard work and the American dream. With a family of engineers, chemists, project managers for government programs, and teachers, Alexander was surrounded by a family willing to answer any question imaginable. This diverse upbringing taught Alexander the value of critical thinking, hard work, and education. He always enjoyed school through the public education system Albuquerque had to offer, but sought to provide the next generations with an education better than his own.
Alexander studied at the University of New Mexico. Alexander’s life goal was to make an impact on education in New Mexico. He thought education would be the key to shaping society to be a better place for everyone in the future. Alexander wanted to be a teacher ever since he started considering career options in high school and started lesson planning in high school.
Having taught 10 years in APS, Alexander has gained recognition from Governor Susana Martinez for exemplary standardized test improvements within his students. Creating a sense of self-worth, positive classroom environment, and lifelong learners are Alexander’s missions. Alexander is happy to share his skillset with Piñon Tutoring.
In his spare time, Alexander likes to read, do yard work, landscape, cook, study cryptocurrency, and be with his supporting wife.
Robert (Bob) McKinley, M.Ed. Curriculum and Instruction
Contract Tutor, 6th-College Math Expert
Bob McKinley grew up in South Florida with his dad, brother, and cats. With a wide range of academic interests, he earned an M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction with a focus on math as well as an M.A. in philosophy before moving to Albuquerque. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of New Mexico, where he is currently writing his dissertation.
Bob has over eight years of experience tutoring middle and high school math and teaching critical thinking to undergraduates. Over this time, he has found joy in reaching students at all levels and making abstract concepts more intuitive. He is excited to focus on math again and help students along their educational journeys.
Bob loves the New Mexico wilderness and enjoys hiking and camping in his free time.
Sheryl Peak, B.S. Education
Contract Tutor, K-8th All Subjects Expert, TESOL Expert
Sheryl is an enthusiastic, experienced educator who believes that all students can be successful. Her experience teaching for APS 20+ years and also in a private school for 2 years has allowed her the privilege of challenging students from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. She loves those awesome moments when the student lights up and says, "Oh, I get it!" Sheryl is excited to be working with students one-on-one, which is unique to private tutoring. Her love of science expanded when she worked at Sandia National Laboratories for many years, and she loves sharing her science knowledge with students as well!
Sheryl loves to be outdoors skiing, snowshoeing, biking, hiking, and just having new adventures. In summers she has explored Italy, Maine, Massachusetts, and Mexico and looks forward to more travel in the future.
Gaetane Pierre-Louis, B.A. Psychology, NM Teaching Licensure
Contract Tutor, 1st-9th All Subjects Expert, Behavior Expert
Gaetane holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and has extensive experience working with individuals of various needs. Her career has been shaped by a deep passion for teaching, learning, and helping others reach their full potential. Over the years, she has worked with students with special needs, providing tailored educational support and therapy to help them thrive. Additionally, her experience as a teacher has strengthened her ability to adapt her approach to meet the unique learning styles of each student.
As a tutor, she aims to create an engaging, supportive, and empowering environment that fosters academic success and personal growth. She believes in the transformative power of education and is dedicated to helping students build confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and achieve their goals.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys staying active, playing volleyball, and spending quality time with her family. These activities help her maintain a healthy work-life balance and bring energy and joy to her personal life.
Erica Reyes, M.Ed.
Contract Tutor, K-10th All Subjects Expert, Writing and ELA Expert
Erica Reyes grew up in Jersey City, New Jersey, as the proud daughter of Filipino immigrants. From a young age, she developed a passion for learning and helping others. Erica attended Oberlin College, where she double-majored in English and Latin Language & Literature. Erica has a Master’s degree in K-8 Education from the University of New Mexico, and she is a certified teacher qualified to teach elementary grades, as well as English/Language Arts and Social Studies for K-12 students. She is also eager to pursue endorsements in TESOL and Gifted Education to further her expertise.
Erica's passion for education began during her time at Oberlin, where she started as a reading tutor for first graders. Her involvement in various teaching opportunities on campus sparked a deep interest in the broader educational landscape, leading her to seek out diverse roles and training. In addition to her classroom experience, Erica is trained in youth crisis intervention and de-escalation, equipping her with the skills to support students both academically and emotionally.
As a tutor, Erica is known for her creativity and ability to connect with students. She enjoys designing lessons that are engaging and often incorporate the arts to bring subjects to life. Erica has a special talent for working with students who receive Special Education services, and her students typically demonstrate significant academic growth, with many advancing 2-3 years in the classroom.
Amy Romero, B.S. Math, M.B.A. Educational Leadership
Contract Tutor, K-College Math Expert, 3rd-10th ELA Expert, Executive Functioning Expert
Amy K Romero was born in California and raised in Belen, NM with her parents, two sisters, aunt, and grandparents. She has always loved to read, work on puzzles and garden. Her thrill for puzzles or mysteries led to a deep love of mathematics after being inspired by two high school math teachers.
During her last two years of secondary education, Amy's outlook on the world was changed and she endeavored to learn as much as possible about mathematics and science. Her focus led to a fully paid college education at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in biology and an emphasis in statistics.
While in Socorro, New Mexico, Amy discovered her deep love for working with children and teaching after tutoring and working as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. It was after a particularly successful session of tutoring in College Algebra that she pursued education professionally--a tutee of hers suggested she become a teacher. Shortly thereafter, as a recent college graduate, she began working at Belen High School as a math teacher.
After a break from teaching to grow her family, and a stint at homeschooling, she went back to teaching in Albuquerque where she taught everything from 6th grade math to Calculus. During this time, the challenge of helping support students as they mastered challenging concepts became her focus. She went on to work as a mathematics specialist with grades K-8 and supported teachers and students while taking on other teaching or administrative roles as needed. Amy received the competitive Woodrow Wilson Fellowship to fully fund her pursuit of an MBA in educational leadership at the University of New Mexico.
After 16 years in education in various roles, Amy still believes that the individual connection created in a learning environment is foundational to helping students learn and become the best version of themselves.
Zachary Rose, B.A. Education
Contract Tutor, 6th-College ELA/Writing Expert, 5th-8th Math Expert, Executive Functioning Expert
Zachary is a proud native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, whose journey has led him to the field of education. A graduate of the University of New Mexico, Zachary earned his Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in English Language Arts.
During his academic journey, Zachary discovered a deep passion for reading, writing, and collaborative learning. His enthusiasm for education and a love for the English language led him to pursue a degree in teaching. It was during his time at UNM that he fell in love with the science behind learning and discovering what it takes to become an impactful educator. School was never a good experience for Zachary, but through support from peers, teachers, and coaches, he became successful.
In addition to his commitment to teaching, Zachary is a passionate advocate for live music. He actively contributes to the local music scene as a member of a band that can be seen playing downtown most weekends. With a desire to integrate his passion for music and performative arts into the educational realm, Zachary hopes to nurture confidence and positive expression among his students.
Sean Thurston, B.S. Secondary Education
Contract Tutor, 5th-College Math Expert
Sean is a dedicated and respected teacher with 25+ years of experience teaching mathematics to all levels of students. His first position was with Whitewater Public Schools where he taught grades 7-12 in a rural setting in Montana. He then taught at a Job Corps Center in Astoria, Oregon for a year, before accepting a position in Valdez, Alaska for 10 years where he was the math department chair.
While teaching at Valdez High School, he also worked at Prince William Sound Community College, where he taught trigonometry, calculus, and AP classes. After moving from Alaska, he moved to Santa Rosa and taught at Santa Rosa High School for five years.
Since that time, Sean has tutored math with Mathnasium in California and privately. He is now tutoring for Piñon Tutoring and looking forward to meeting new students. Sean is married, has one daughter, and a four-legged best friend. His hobbies include music, camping, and on-line chess.